Best Travis Hornsby Podcasts (2025)

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Military Families: How to Use VA Benefits to Further Your Kids’ Education | EP 16 29:44

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4d ago29:44

29:44

Are you a veteran or service member trying to figure out how to send your kid to college? You probably know there are some serious educational benefits available, but perhaps you aren’t sure how to tap into them or whether you can pass them to your kids. Today, Kate Horrell and Jack Wang discuss VA Education Benefits’ transfer rules, eligible recip…

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Behind the Scenes: Live from FinCon 2025 16:21

6d ago16:21

16:21

Join us for a special live recording from FinCon as we pull back the curtain on what’s happening with student loans right now. We're talking about the current state of federal programs, what's working, what's not, and where things might be headed — especially for those of you dealing with big debt loads from professional and graduate programs. If y…

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Will Some Folks Get Stuck with 30-Year IDR? 20:17

13d ago20:17

20:17

The new 30-year Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) could be the only option for federal student loans after July 2026 — but even current borrowers aren’t safe if they don’t take action. Discover what moves to make to avoid getting stuck with decades of payments. Also, learn about new rules affecting Parent and Grad PLUS loans. If facing 30 years of st…

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Ways to Pay for College: Gifting, Shifting, Loans, and More | Ep 15 24:58

18d ago24:58

24:58

When you’re facing any large purchase, there are two major questions you must answer: How do I lower the cost? What’s the best way to pay for it? While you’ve heard about student loans, 529 plans, and, potentially, other options to help you finance college costs, the best way for YOU to pay for college for your student is likely a unique combinatio…

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Will 50% of All Grad Programs Close? 28:49

20d ago28:49

28:49

There’s a controversial and urgent topic we have to talk about: the massive upheaval headed for graduate and professional education financing starting in the fall of 2026. With the recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” federal borrowing for graduate programs will be drastically limited — meaning schools and students are about to face …

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What is the Student Loan Refi Ladder Strategy? 34:28

27d ago34:28

34:28

The student loan refi ladder is a clever strategy that’ll help you tackle your debt without wrecking your cash flow. We haven’t talked about this much in recent years because of student loan payment and interest pauses, but with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act stripping protections from federal student loan borrowers, now is the time to decide betwe…

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Unlocking Financial Success for College Students with Budgeting and Credit Usage Education | Ep 14 23:43

1M ago23:43

23:43

Understanding how your credit score works and actively working to improve it can open up doors to better financial opportunities. One of the biggest mistakes college students make when it comes to credit is overspending and not keeping track of their expenses. My guest today, Brittany Greene, focuses on providing financial education and resources t…

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The Unfortunate Reason Why Your Salary Will Probably Go up a Lot This Decade 25:31

1M ago25:31

25:31

Big shifts are coming to student loans starting July 2026. If you’re carrying six figures of debt or even thinking about grad school, you’ll definitely want to hear this one. Unlimited loans are out, so pricey grad programs might not be as easy to join. Sounds scary, right? But this shift could actually work in your favor. Fewer students funneled i…

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How Much Do Big Ticket Items Cost When You’re Doing Forgiveness? 8:33

1M ago8:33

8:33

Ever stop and think about how much that new car, kitchen remodel, or shiny toy really costs you — not just in dollars, but in hours, days, or even months of your life? We’re digging into what big-ticket spending looks like when you’re on an income-driven repayment plan that’s already taking 10–15% of your paycheck. We’ll show you how to reframe tho…

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The Impact of Trump’s “Beautiful Bill” on Your Ability to Borrow for College | Ep 13 24:40

2M ago24:40

24:40

It used to be that parents and students had the opportunity to finance higher education with almost no limit to the amount they could borrow. The H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act, changes that. It imposes new limits to parent financing and student loans. In particular, capped borrowing for graduate students at $50,000 per year for professional st…

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Mega Listener Mailbag Q&A 57:30

2M ago57:30

57:30

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been collecting your questions, and wow… you did not hold back. We’re answering as many as we can fit in one episode, covering topics like forgiveness deadlines, confusing recertification rules, and loan servicers who seem to speak in riddles. You’ll hear from people on the brink of PSLF forgiveness, parents in the mi…

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Existing Borrowers are Okay. Future Ones I’m Worried About 29:50

2M ago29:50

29:50

After months of student loan chaos, there’s clarity: If you’re already borrowing, you’ll probably be okay, though keep an eye out for some plan changes. But for anyone planning to borrow after July 2026, the picture gets a lot murkier. Higher payments, tighter loan limits, and longer repayment terms could reshape graduate and professional education…

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Reflections on the SAVE Forbearance Ending 21:57

2M ago21:57

21:57

The SAVE plan’s payment forbearance is supposed to stick around through 2028, but that’s looking unlikely. Here’s why we think the clock’s ticking on SAVE, what the latest lawsuit could mean for the plan’s future, and how new legislation is tightening the rules on forbearance across the board. You’ll find out what this shift means if you’re current…

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Maximizing Student Loan Forgiveness, Minimizing Payments, and Tax-Advantaged Strategies | Travis Hornsby | Ep 12 30:17

2M ago30:17

30:17

Student loan debt is a topic that affects millions of people across the country. It's a financial burden that many individuals face as they pursue higher education, and the impact can be long-lasting. Whether you're a recent graduate or have been out of school for years, understanding student loan debt is crucial to managing your finances effective…

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What We Think Comes Next for Borrowers (with Special Guest Stanley Tate) 44:59

2M ago44:59

44:59

Student loan lawyer Stanley Tate joins us to tackle the big question we’re all asking: what’s actually happening with student loans right now? We’re exploring the latest legislative changes, what they mean for your repayment strategy, and why Parent PLUS borrowers are especially freaking out. We talk through everything from the COVID payment chaos …

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End of the SAVE Forbearance 16:34

3M ago16:34

16:34

If you’ve been riding the SAVE Plan forbearance wave, a big shift is headed your way. The Department of Education announced that the SAVE forbearance will officially end on August 1, 2025. That means interest starts ticking again, and borrowers will be pushed to switch repayment plans. Most will be steered toward the old Income-Based Repayment (IBR…

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Student-Centered College Selection: What Makes A Good School? | Ep 11 26:31

3M ago26:31

26:31

Choosing a college where your student will thrive is about much more than the school’s name, ranking, prestige, or reputation. Research from Purdue University and Gallup highlights that aspects like caring professors, supportive learning environments, and experiential learning opportunities hold more weight in determining a student's college experi…

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What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for You 25:52

3M ago25:52

25:52

Some parts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are pretty rough for borrowers, but believe it or not, it could’ve been way worse — you can thank the Senate parliamentarian for blocking the worst of it. We’ll walk you through what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what you need to start planning for now. This is your clear, practical guide to u…

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Senate Parliamentarian Drops a Bombshell Ruling 21:12

3M ago21:12

21:12

“Senate parliamentarian” isn’t exactly a household name, but her latest ruling is huge news for anyone with student debt. Learn what her surprise decision means for the Big Beautiful Bill Act and how it could shape repayment plans and forgiveness programs. You’ll find the specifics of what this means if you’re a Parent PLUS borrower, in dental and …

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Secure Today’s Tuition Rates with a Private 529 Plan | Jonathan Sparling | Ep 10 30:34

3M ago30:34

30:34

Planning for your child's college education can be a daunting task, but utilizing a 529 plan can make it a little easier. These tax-advantaged savings plans are specifically designed to help families save for future education expenses. One option within the 529 plan umbrella is the College Well Private College 529 Plan, which offers its own set of …

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What Does the Reform Bill Mean for Married Borrowers? 27:56

3M ago27:56

27:56

If you're married, there’s a lot to consider in the latest student loan reform proposals. Discover what the changes being debated in Congress could mean for married borrowers, including the potential loss of “married filing separately” as a repayment strategy and how the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) might affect your monthly payments. If you…

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The Senate Student Loan Bill Is Much Worse Than Expected 12:45

3M ago12:45

12:45

The Senate just dropped its version of the student loan reform bill, and let’s just say… it’s not great. In fact, it’s worse than expected, especially if you have six-figure student debt, Parent PLUS loans, or are a future student. Learn what’s at stake, how it could completely reshape repayment options, and who (besides private lenders) might come…

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College Financial Aid: How It Really Works | Ep 9 28:09

4M ago28:09

28:09

How do factors like major, gender, and ethnicity influence whether your child receives financial aid? Understanding the typical college business model is crucial. The college financial aid formula is a multifaceted and strategic system that determines how aid is distributed to students. It comprises loans, scholarships, and other forms of gift aid.…

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Why Lowering AGI Is More Important Than Ever 21:08

4M ago21:08

21:08

If the GOP reform bill moves forward, lowering your adjusted gross income (AGI) won’t just be helpful, it’ll be more important than ever for student loan borrowers. We explore what could change, who’s most at risk, and what steps you can take to protect your paycheck. From maxing out pre-tax retirement contributions and HSAs to leveraging self-empl…

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Listener Q&A: What Could This New Bill Mean? 40:24

4M ago40:24

40:24

Get real answers to real questions student loan borrowers are asking about PSLF processing delays, confusing buyback calculations, switching repayment plans, and trying to understand how recent legislation might affect their loans. You’ll get the latest updates on what’s happening behind the scenes and what those changes could mean for you. We also…

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Future of Student Loans Now Depends on the Senate 18:35

4M ago18:35

18:35

Student loan reform just cleared the House in what’s officially called the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill.” If it becomes law, it could overhaul repayment into just two plans: the Old IBR plan and a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) that scales payments between 1% and 10% of income over 30 years. But nothing is final. The next step is the Senate, wher…

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Empowering Teens Through Financial Literacy | Ep 8 29:30

4M ago29:30

29:30

Financial education in youth sets the stage for a lifetime of financial responsibility. Teaching teens to save for emergencies is vital for unexpected costs. Unfortunately, most teens don’t want to listen to their parents...that’s where a financial coach who specializes in budgeting for teens and young adults comes in. Colleen Salchow of Salchow Co…

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Who Would Switch to the “RAP” Plan? 17:40

4M ago17:40

17:40

The Repayment Assistance Plan, aka RAP, is another student loan overhaul, and people have a lot of questions. Learn what this plan actually is, why it matters right now, and the real chances of it becoming law. If you're wondering when or if you could switch to this plan, we've got you covered. The RAP might completely change how student loan repay…

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Scenarios for the Republican Student Loan Bill 26:44

5M ago26:44

26:44

The Republican student loan bill is gaining steam and could seriously impact your repayment strategy. Let me break it down for you: undergrads might actually see some benefits here, but if you've got grad school debt? You might want to sit down for this one. Current borrowers won't get hit as hard as future ones, but painful changes could be on the…

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Endings, Beginnings, and the Next Chapter for SLP Wealth 1:43

5M ago1:43

1:43

Guess what? We are moving this Friday episode over to the new Financially Free Era podcast! It is the next step to your financial planning journey after your student loan plan has been tackled with us here at Student Loan Planner. We hope this new show will answer your questions of: What else do I need to do? What else can I do to optimize my savin…

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Thinking Differently About Other College Costs | Ep 7 25:34

5M ago25:34

25:34

Paying for college extends beyond the simple calculation of tuition and fees, encompassing a range of hidden expenses that many prospective students and their families often overlook. Jack Wang offers a nuanced perspective on this topic by highlighting the often-ignored costs such as taxes, interest, and opportunity costs, which can significantly i…

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Why Your Savings Rate Is Probably Too High 19:49

5M ago19:49

19:49

Can “save more” be bad advice? We’re pulling back the curtain on something financial advisors rarely discuss: how saving too much can harm your quality of life. We'll unpack the uncomfortable truth about how all professions, including my own, handle potential conflicts of interest. This isn't about vilifying financial planning — it's about making s…

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Put the Fam On Payroll: Tax Hacks For Business Owners 39:49

5M ago39:49

39:49

Want to keep more money in the family? Hiring family members in your business can translate into some big tax savings — and set your kids up to get ahead with their own savings. Fresh off tax season, we explore the ins and outs of putting kids and spouses on the payroll, weighing the pros and cons, and sharing actionable tips for business owners lo…

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Emergency Pod: New IBR and PAYE Under Threat in New GOP Bill 17:10

5M ago17:10

17:10

House GOP has proposed a new bill that would radically reshape student loans for years to come. But it would also impact existing borrowers too if were to pass.

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Listener Q’s About SAVE, Buyback, Debt Payoff and More 52:02

5M ago52:02

52:02

Got student loan questions weighing on you? You're definitely not alone. This week, we're opening up the Student Loan Planner mailbag to tackle some of the most pressing issues borrowers are facing. Should you switch IDR plans? Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) buyback the right move? We also address the very real frustrations with federal …

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Quarterly Taxes for High Earners: What, Why and How To Plan Ahead 26:54

5M ago26:54

26:54

Tax season might be in the rearview mirror, but if you're self-employed or earn income outside of a regular paycheck, quarterly estimated taxes are still very much on your radar. We’re showing you how it all fits together — what they are, who needs to pay them, and how to calculate what you owe. Learn key dates to remember, simple ways to estimate …

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Maximizing Academic Success Through Early Test Preparation | Ep 6 35:20

5M ago35:20

35:20

With the right strategies and early preparation, you can maximize your child’s chances of getting into your (or their) dream school and securing scholarships. Students should begin preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT well in advance, paying special attention to their grades even as a Freshman in High School. This will allow you and…

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Major Accident at ED About Married Filing Separate 17:02

5M ago17:02

17:02

The Department of Education dropped a bombshell announcement that would've killed a loophole strategy many of you use to keep your student loan payments manageable, only for the agency to quickly walk it back after public outcry. What actually happened? Was this ED deliberately trying to break the law and eliminate the married filing separate optio…

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Markets, Tariffs & Tantrums: What To Do About the Market 23:15

5M ago23:15

23:15

Last week, the market went on a wild ride, and it all started with steep tariff hikes — especially on imports from China. The market’s reaction was fast and furious, with sharp drops and an even quicker rebound. So, what’s the deal with tariffs, and why do they send markets into a frenzy? Learn the basics of tariffs, why uncertainty can send invest…

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Negotiated Rulemaking Announced (PSLF, PAYE and ICR Borrowers Need to Pay Attention) 16:02

6M ago16:02

16:02

The Department of Education just dropped a negotiated rulemaking announcement, and while it might sound like dry policy talk, this one’s worth your attention — especially if you’re pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), on Pay As You Earn (PAYE), or using Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR). Learn what negotiated rulemaking actually means, …

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Your HSA Can Do WHAT?! 46:33

6M ago46:33

46:33

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) don’t always get the spotlight, but they should. They’re one of the most flexible and tax-friendly tools out there — and we’re digging into why. We’re joined by Kathleen Boyd, CFP®, for a practical conversation about how HSAs work. Learn how much you can contribute based on your health plan, how things change once Med…

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Tax-Efficient College Savings Options for Families | EP 5 21:07

6M ago21:07

21:07

Do your college funding goals entail covering private tuition or a portion of in-state tuition? The answer could be the key to your “best” saving strategy. "You can save using almost anything. There is the easy option and then there is the right or best option for your family." - Jack Wang (00:19:53) There are various opportunities for tax-sheltere…

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Who Can (and Cannot) Trust Their New IDR Recertification Date 22:42

6M ago22:42

22:42

The Trump administration recently pushed out income-driven repayment (IDR) recertification dates — some all the way to 2027. (I'm not even kidding.) But can you actually count on these extensions? We’re breaking down who should trust these announcements and who might want to proceed with caution. We'll also talk about the bizarre game of musical ch…

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Retirement Red Flags — 5 Signs You’re Not Ready Yet 27:06

6M ago27:06

27:06

Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from your job — it’s about building a life you actually enjoy and knowing how your finances will hold up when the paychecks stop. A lot of people think they’re ready… until they realize they’re not. We’re walking through five warning signs that could throw your retirement off track. From skipping over withd…

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Tons of Listener Qs Answered 57:23

6M ago57:23

57:23

Student loans are a mess. They've been a mess for as long as we’ve been doing this, but right now? It’s like someone took that mess, threw it in a blender, and hit "puree." We’re answering a whole heap of listener questions. This episode is dropping on April Fool’s Day, but no jokes or pranks here — just straight-up answers. Let’s face it: the real…

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6 TikTok Trends That May Actually Make You Wealthy 24:03

6M ago24:03

24:03

Have you ever thought, "wait, is that actually true?" while scrolling financial TikToks at 1 a.m.? We’ve been there, too, and the advice can be hit or miss. We've spent hours sorting through viral money videos to find six trends that actually contain real wealth-building potential — when you know how to apply them correctly. Learn what these popula…

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Making Savvy Student Loan Decisions & Repayment Plans | Ep 4 29:01

6M ago29:01

29:01

Did you know there are over 80 student loan forgiveness programs in the US? While student loan forgiveness programs are great, it’s imperative to understand the eligibility requirements and have open discussions about the costs and value of higher education expenses. Federal and Private student loans should be treated differently, and all student l…

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IDR Recertification Dates Extended! 27:00

6M ago27:00

27:00

The IDR recertification deadline has been pushed back again — this time, to no sooner than February 2026. And while that might sound like good news on the surface, we know it brings up a ton of questions. That’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this episode. If you’re on an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan or even thinking about it, tune in as we …

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Live from Tax Season: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What to Fix 48:28

6M ago48:28

48:28

Tax season is back, and while it’s no one’s favorite time of year, getting ahead of it can save you a ton of stress (and money). We’re breaking down tax planning tips, retirement contributions, and the sneaky mistakes that could cost you. Plus, some unexpected tax trivia — turns out, pro athletes and farmers have some wild tax rules. And because we…

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Realistic College Cost Planning with 3 Key Numbers | Ep 3 25:18

6M ago25:18

25:18

The topic of college affordability has become increasingly pressing as tuition costs continue to rise, leaving many families grappling with the challenge of financing higher education. The best thing you can do for your college-bound teen is plan for college expenses using 3 critical financial figures: What colleges expect you to pay What you can r…